Dec
19
Written by:
Ranken Jordan
Monday, December 19, 2011
Members of the Maryland Heights Police Officers Association spent Friday, Dec.16 helping Santa Claus with his "nice" list, bringing joy – and toys – to children with complex medical conditions at Ranken Jordan - A Pediatric Specialty Hospital.
Expected to park his sleigh and reindeer at the police station, Santa instead traveled by motorcade and was accompanied by a police motorcycle escort. And, of course, the police paddy wagon was filled with gifts for good girls and boys. The children visited with Santa and asked him for a few items on their wish lists, while the officers handed out toys to patients. "It's absolutely wonderful that there are groups like the Maryland Heights Police Department who are out there giving back to the community," said Lauri Tanner, RN, MSN, FACHE, president and chief executive officer at Ranken Jordan. "It is so exciting to see the joy and excitement on the children's faces as the gifts are handed out! Every year Santa's visit truly uplifts all of our spirits at Ranken Jordan."
This is the seventh consecutive year the Police Officers association will visit Ranken Jordan to mark the Christmas and holiday season. Throughout the year the association raises money and accepts donations from the public and employees from the City of Maryland Heights. The donated funds are earmarked solely for the Santa visits.
"It's awesome to be involved in this program, and to be a part of these very special kids' Christmas," said Maryland Heights Detective Sgt. Joe Eagan. "Aside from that, it is a blast to fill the paddy wagon up with toys instead of prisoners, at least for one day of the year."